Thailand: Market for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) 2025

Market Size for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) in Thailand

The Thai market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) fell to $X in 2021, declining by -6% against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Overall, consumption saw a abrupt slump. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports from Thailand

Exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from Thailand soared to X tons in 2021, jumping by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, exports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 302%. Over the period under review, the exports of hit record highs at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) surged to $X in 2021. In general, exports saw a modest expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 183% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports of reached the peak figure at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Lao People's Democratic Republic (X tons) was the main destination for exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from Thailand, accounting for a 64% share of total exports. Moreover, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to Lao People's Democratic Republic exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Cambodia (X tons), twofold. Myanmar (X tons) ranked third in terms of total exports with a 2.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume to Lao People's Democratic Republic totaled +31.6%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Cambodia (+54.0% per year) and Myanmar (+154.6% per year).

In value terms, Lao People's Democratic Republic ($X) remains the key foreign market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exports from Thailand, comprising 69% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Cambodia ($X), with a 23% share of total exports. It was followed by Myanmar, with a 4.3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to Lao People's Democratic Republic stood at +22.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Cambodia (+41.8% per year) and Myanmar (+130.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 10% against the previous year. Overall, the export price showed mild growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when the average export price increased by 117%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2017 to 2021, the average export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was India ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Cambodia ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to India (+38.3%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports into Thailand

In 2021, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) into Thailand totaled X tons, flattening at the previous year's figure. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a deep setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 252%. Over the period under review, imports of reached the maximum at X tons in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) rose sharply to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, recorded a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by 171%. Imports peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Indonesia (X tons), South Korea (X tons) and China (X tons) were the main suppliers of imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to Thailand, together accounting for 82% of total imports. These countries were followed by Japan and Pakistan, which together accounted for a further 16%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by Japan (with a CAGR of +41.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) suppliers to Thailand were Indonesia ($X), China ($X) and South Korea ($X), with a combined 77% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Japan and Pakistan, which together accounted for a further 15%.

Japan, with a CAGR of +33.0%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main suppliers over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average import price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) amounted to $X per ton, rising by 5.7% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a noticeable setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the average import price increased by 45% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for South Korea ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by China (-1.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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